Beep when starting 225 ProXS

[MIZ-ZOU]

'08 225 ProXS. Had problems that required swapping out PCMs. Since i got my boat back, I not only get a beep when I turn the key on, it also beeps when I crank the motor. It didn't do this before.

All reservoirs, including the one under the cowl are full and I don't get a beep at any other time. My voltage is 12.1 before cranking, drops to 10.5 while cranking, then goes up to 14.1 when the engine is running.

Am I right in thinking that this is a battery problem?

I forgot to say that the battery appears to be the right one and has 1080 cranking amp capacity.

[EuropeanAM]

That could be a battery voltage issue. Keep in mind... just because "the sticker says it's capacity is high enough" DOES NOT mean that the battery will provide adequate amerage capacity.

Fully charge the battery, and have it load tested. Also confirm the connections at the battery are "clean"- with the engine battery cables installed FIRST, then stack remaining lugs "largest to smallest", and complete the connection with a Stainless Steel Locknut.

One other location we've seen problems is at the ground cable lug on the block (directly below the starter). Sometimes, there is too much loctite on the bolt, preventing it from "fully" seating against the cable lug. You might check both the ground cable connection here, and the positive cable connection at the starter solenoid.

[Falcon]

I was out today with an 05 225 XS, I had one long beep after starting- turn it off then it also beeped when I turned the key, and while I started it. Is this also a battery issue? Is there an owners manual that I can down load?

[EuropeanAM]

The owner's manual is available from your Mercury Dealer. If you can't get one there, give me a call and we can order you one.

Do you have a Smartcraft Instrument on your rig? If so, what warnings are you getting with this buzzer?

The warning buzzer can activate for NEARLY ANY fault condition... Smartcraft Instrumentation will often give you an "idea" of what is wrong. Of course, the ONLY way to know for sure is to have the engine put on the Computer Diagnostic System and read the "Fault History".

Keep in mind- the warning horn is there for a reason. If it is going off (other than the short test beep when the key is first turned on), THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG. Unless you know for CERTAIN what the problem is- continuing to run the engine is, at the least, UNWISE.

Get it in, and get it checked!

[Falcon]

Mine does not have the smart craft, I wish it did. It has not had the long beep but for the one time.It now only has the short beep while it turns over.I will get it to the shop. Thank you

[EuropeanAM]

Ask them to read the "fault history"- and do let me know what it says!

[Falcon]

Don, I had my fault history read today. It said that I had a starbord overheat. The mechanic said the thermostat has been changed recently so he disregarded that issue He then cleared the history and started the motor, after it beeped while starting we hooked it up again with no fault recorded. The guy has not a clue and I had to leave my boat for him to try to figure it out.Any ideas? I also put a brand new 1000 amp battery in it a few days ago.

[EuropeanAM]

Chris (Falcon):

I have some updated info for you on your "beep".

Call me before you go to any more time/expense.

[MIZ-ZOU]

My PCM was swapped out this weekend. The one that caused the alarm while starting was a spare that my dealer had. After the tech started the boat about 20 times, each time noticing the beep, he told me that there were no trouble codes. I took it to the lake and it alarmed while starting the first time, then it quit.

It starts and runs fine now without any alarms. Go figure???

[EuropeanAM]

We've been informed that there has been a change in the more recent PCM's that causes this "short beep at/during startup". If there are no faults registered, run it, and don't be concerned. This applies only to late production engines.

Fault history check is STILL recommended (at least once to confirm that there is not some other cause).

Will update as more info becomes available. Sorry... but that's all I have for now!

[gho4950]

Don

This short beep you refer to that I have/ had. Since the PCM's are different now should you get the additional beep every time?? Mine is still some starts do and some don't. No real rhyme or reason. It's a 2008 250 Pro XS. I have had no issues as a result (after changing original battery, it was dead) so I'm gonna run it.

[EuropeanAM]

As long as you've CONFIRMED that there are "No Faults" registered in the Freeze frame buffers (Fault History), you should be fine to continue running it for the time being.

I will update on this as soon as more information is available....